November 8, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar, highlighting the country’s progress in overcoming Naxalism. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated the festival with Army personnel in Sikkim, while President Murmu and PM Modi extended Diwali greetings to citizens across India and abroad.
Top India Headlines
- PM Modi and Amit Shah Laud Security Forces for Overcoming Naxalism: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised security personnel for their courage, valour and dedication in the country’s fight against Naxalism. Modi said Naxalism was now history and development was the way forward.
- PM Modi Celebrates Diwali with Security Personnel in Bastar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. He described the occasion as special, saying India had won its decades-long battle against Naxalism and Maoist terror.
- Rajnath Singh Celebrates Diwali with Army Personnel in Sikkim: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated Diwali with Army personnel deployed in Sikkim at the Sherathang War Memorial. He said war memorials would inspire the country’s younger generation.
- PM Modi Credits L. K. Advani with Giving BJP a Nation First Foundation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said veteran BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani gave the party a strong foundation rooted in the principle of Nation First. Advani turned 99 on November 8.
- UAE President and Vice-President Extend Diwali Greetings: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice-President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extended Diwali greetings to people celebrating the festival in the UAE and around the world, wishing them good health and prosperity.
- Petroleum Ministry Reaffirms E20 Petrol Quality Standards: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said E20 petrol supplied by public sector oil marketing companies across India, including Karnataka, meets prescribed quality standards under IS 17021.
- IMD Forecasts Heavy Rainfall in Southern States; Delhi AQI at 379: The India Meteorological Department forecast heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal through November 9. Thunderstorms and lightning are expected in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Mahe over the next two days. Delhi recorded an AQI of 379 in the very poor category.
- Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan Greets L. K. Advani on Birthday: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan extended birthday greetings to veteran leader L. K. Advani, acknowledging his decades of public service and contribution to India’s democratic journey.
